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Saints' Cameron Jordan, groups team up for food drive

New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan is teaming up with Second Harvest and Wal-Mart locations throughout Louisiana in January to defeat hunger during this year’s third annual Defeat Hunger Bowl.(Photo: File photo)

New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan is teaming up with Second Harvest and Wal-Mart locations throughout Louisiana in January to defeat hunger during this year's third annual Defeat Hunger Bowl.

"No one should have to go days on end, or even a single day for that matter, without eating a decent meal. Unfortunately that is the reality for thousands of people right here in New Orleans and across our state," Jordan said.

"I want to encourage everyone to join me in donating food all month at Wal-Mart. Even one item can make a difference in someone's life," Jordan said.

To help kickoff the month-long campaign, Jordan will be appearing in the Wal-Mart at Bullard Avenue in New Orleans at 2 p.m. Jan. 13.

The event is free and open to the public, though food donations are encouraged. Fans in attendance will have the chance to meet Jordan and receive a special edition signed photo-card.

Although Jordan won't be making an appearance in this area, Natalie Jayroe, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank, encourages people to do their part by donating at local participating Wal-Marts.

They include stores at 1629 E. Creswell Lane in Opelousas, 1538 U.S. 190 in Eunice and 891 E. La Salle St. in Ville Platte. All donations will benefit local Feeding America food banks.

"We are excited to team up with Cameron Jordan for the Defeat Hunger Bowl food drive. One in six households in Louisiana is at-risk of hunger," Jayroe said. "Unfortunately for many Louisiana residents, hunger is a problem they face on a daily basis. Our neighbors in need are often forced to choose between paying rent, utilities or medical bills."

If you would like to make a donation, simply visit any of the participating locations during January.

Jayroe said each will have a donation bin near the entrance.

"Whether it's non-perishable goods from home, items bought at your local Wal-Mart store or one of our pre-packaged bags of non-perishable goods located next to the donation bins — just drop the items in the bin and boom, you've made a big difference in someone's life," Jayroe said. "Remember, hunger doesn't end after the holidays are over."

All non-perishable food items are being accepted, and Jayroe said people can also purchase pre-packaged $5 food donation bags at all participating locations.

Joining Jordan in this year's Hunger Bowl are Green Bay Packers tight end Andrew Quarless, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Denard Robinson and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon, who are each supporting efforts in their communities.

Second Harvest Food Bank is an affiliated ministry of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans, a member of Feeding America and a United Way Partner Agency. It is dedicated to building food security in south Louisiana by providing food access, advocacy, education and disaster response across 23 parishes through 474 partners and programs across 23 parishes.

"Together, we make up the largest charitable anti-hunger network in the state. With our community's help, we can make food security a reality for every household in South Louisiana," Jayroe said.